Pathirana 2.0: 17-year old Sri Lankan pacer Kugadas Mathulan joins Chennai Super Kings camp after impressing MS Dhoni

After Matheesha Pathirana, Chennai Super Kings might have unearthed another quality fast-bowler from Sri Lanka, 17-year-old Kugadas Mathulan. While the teenager is yet to play at the highest stage of the game, his undeniable talent was enough to impress none other than the legendary MS Dhoni.

The Chennai Super Kings skipper was so impressed with the Sri Lankan youngster that he made sure the franchise invited him to attend the team’s pre-season camp that got underway earlier this month. The Chennai-based outfit began their preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this month.

A video of Kugadas Mathulan’s performance with the ball during a Big Match between St. John’s College and Jaffna Central College recently went viral. In the video, he could be seen leaving the batsman on all fours by bowling a toe-crushing yorker. The batsman was completely bamboozled by the delivery and the ball went on to uproot his middle stump.

Incidentally, he also has clingy action just like the legendary Lasith Malinga and Pathirana. As per reports, MS Dhoni also saw the same video and wanted to have a closer look at the teenager. Chennai Super Kings did not take long to invite Kugadas Mathulan and at present, he is bowling in their nets.

Watch Kugadas Mathulan’s toe-crushing yorker:

17 year old Jaffna slinga “Kugadas Mathulan” is currently at Chennai as M s Dhoni wanted to have a look at his Bowling. He wil be a net bowler for @ChennaiIPL during the IPL 2024. pic.twitter.com/3lHMzcHSJd

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) March 14, 2024

A few years ago, Chennai Super Kings got their hands on Pathirana in a similar fashion. The IPL giants saw a video of the then-17-year-old Pathirana’s bowling and invited him to join their camp in 2022.

In 2023, Pathirana starred with the ball for the franchise, helping the team win the IPL for a record-equaling fifth time. He picked up 19 wickets in 12 games last year.

Meanwhile, Pathirana could miss the start of IPL 2024 after suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain on his left leg during the recent three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.

The reigning champions will be also without their star opener Devon Conway who has been sidelined at least until May after undergoing surgery on his injured thumb. Chennai will open their title defense on March 22 with a mouth-watering clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore.